In almost all horror movie franchises, the main attraction for viewers is the appearance of monsters/killers/unknown creatures lurking in the shadows. You watch “Friday the 13th” to see Jason Voorhees eliminate unsuspecting teenagers at Crystal Lake, or “A Nightmare on Elm Street” to witness Freddy Krueger terrorize those who fall asleep, or perhaps you catch a zombie movie to see the undead feasting on human flesh. At the opposite end of the spectrum, horror films often struggle to introduce a hero who can connect with the audience.
However, this does not mean that it’s impossible, and there are certainly some horror film series that feature brave protagonists willing to stand up against darkness. These are the characters we want to root for, especially when things go awry. The distinguishing factor of a horror hero compared to the main character in a typical horror movie usually lies in their personality, intelligence, and style. A hero who survives through a horror film surely leaves a lasting impression on the audience, representing someone who possesses unique insights, who thinks beyond conventional standards, and strives to overcome challenges.
With that in mind, here is a list of the top 7 greatest horror movie heroes, those who have appeared in at least three films within a long-standing horror franchise and embody the essence of a true hero.
Ashley J. “Ash” Williams
The reason the “Evil Dead” franchise maintains its existence is primarily due to the iconic performance of Bruce Campbell as one of the most “underdog” characters in film history. After starting as a clumsy teenager and ending up in a home overrun by evil, Ash transforms into a proactive figure, fighting back against supernatural forces with his chainsaw hand.
Laurie Strode
The horror genre with “final girls” has become a signature trope, but we cannot forget the origin of this archetype, which is Laurie Strode from John Carpenter’s classic “Halloween.” Portrayed by actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Laurie Strode is a character who survives the terrifying night through her own intelligence and does not rely on others for help.
Mike
In the “Phantasm” series, Mike lost everything to the Tall Man and his minions when he was only 13 years old. Throughout the sequels, Mike grows up and becomes increasingly determined to confront the evil that plagues him. Although portrayed by different actors, Mike remains a very compelling character.
Ellen Ripley
In the sci-fi horror landscape, Ellen Ripley is the most prominent female character ever to appear on the big screen. After her debut in the 1979 classic “Alien,” Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley captured the audience’s heart and continued to be a heroic figure throughout the sequels, even though she didn’t always manage to preserve her life until the end.
Selene
To combat monsters, sometimes the protagonist must also become a monster in their own right. In the entire “Underworld” franchise, actress Kate Beckinsale plays Selene, a vampire who realizes the dire reality of the war against the Lycans and decides to separate herself from the very essence of her kind. Throughout the series, Selene faces off against all kinds of vampires and Lycans, but she ultimately remains steadfastly on the side of good.
Sidney Prescott
In a situation reminiscent of Laurie Strode’s, Sidney Prescott (played by Neve Campbell) emerges as an iconic female character, often left to fend for herself in the face of terrifying circumstances. However, when the moment of truth arrives, she clearly shows her ability to escape the clutches of the “masked killer” and embraces the role of a warrior instead. As the series progresses, Sidney remains the “final girl” who cannot escape the haunting presence of Ghostface.
Dr. Van Helsing
Abraham Van Helsing is a vampire-hunting expert and a scholar from Bram Stoker’s original work “Dracula,” but he has also become a heroic figure. It wasn’t until the first film “Dracula” by Hammer Films that this character truly ascended to heroic status. Veteran actor Peter Cushing portrayed Van Helsing in all four films, from the classic era to more modern adaptations, each incarnation showcasing a tenacity and unwavering commitment to battling evil.
According to Nerdist
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